Chelsea legend John Terry in contrast Arsenal’s Max Dowman to Lionel Messi after {the teenager} wrote his identify into Premier League historical past with a surprising cameo in opposition to Everton.
Mikel Arteta’s aspect secured a vital 2-0 victory on the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, extending their lead on the high of the desk to 10 factors – and it was 16-year-old Dowman who stole the present.
Dowman makes instantaneous affect off the bench
Launched with simply 16 minutes remaining, Dowman instantly energised Arsenal’s assault. His harmful cross sparked Viktor Gyokeres’ opening aim within the 89th minute earlier than the midfielder grew to become the Premier League’s youngest-ever goalscorer with a superb solo strike in damage time.
{The teenager}’s second-half cameo left watching pundits speechless, with Terry notably effusive in his reward after the ultimate whistle.
Terry: ‘I’ve solely seen Messi glide previous individuals like that’
In a video posted to TikTok shortly after full-time, the previous England captain lavished reward on Dowman’s skill, having beforehand watched him in motion in opposition to Chelsea’s academy aspect final yr.
“Max Dowman, what a participant by the best way, 16 years of age, completely unbelievable,” Terry stated.
“I watched him play in opposition to Chelsea a few yr in the past and I’ve not seen anybody glide previous individuals like this man does, aside from Messi. That’s an enormous, massive comparability however this man is a correct expertise and can play an enormous half in Arsenal’s future and in addition England as properly.
“Tremendous, tremendous expertise. Large, massive win for them [Arsenal] immediately.”
Dowman’s marvel aim seals historic evening
Dowman’s aim – Arsenal’s second of the night – was a second of pure particular person brilliance. Countering from an Everton nook, the teenager nodded the ball previous Vitalii Mykolenko earlier than leaving Kiernan Dewsbury-Corridor sprawling on the turf with a devastating change of path.
The strike made Dowman, at 16 years and 72 days, the youngest participant ever to attain within the Premier League.
Arteta praises teenager’s fearless mentality
Talking after Arsenal’s crucial win, Arteta revealed he had a “intestine feeling” about giving Dowman his alternative.
“Yesterday he was coaching and in the previous few days and I had a intestine feeling that it was a second for him. In all probability as a result of he doesn’t appear to be fazed by the event or the second or the context or the opponent. He simply performs so naturally. He makes choices to make issues occur and what he delivered was unbelievable,” the Arsenal boss stated.
“I feel his character, his persona and the truth that he doesn’t appear to be fazed by the stress or his teammates or the opponent. I’ve seen numerous gamers with expertise however at 16, only a few that may deal with that degree of demand.”
